Odisha CM to Distribute Rs 1,041 Crore to Farmers on Nuakhai

Over 51 lakh farmers to benefit under CM Kisan Yojana through DBT

Bhubaneswar : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to distribute financial assistance worth Rs 1,041 crore to more than 51 lakh farmers across the state under the CM Kisan Yojana on the occasion of Nuakhai, one of western Odisha’s most significant agrarian festivals. The state-level programme is being organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, with a strong focus on ensuring last-mile delivery through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Under the CM Kisan Yojana, small and marginal farmers receive Rs 4,000 annually, disbursed in two instalments. The scheme has been designed specifically to benefit those who remain outside the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), ensuring financial inclusion for landless, marginal, and even urban farmers.

The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that over 51 lakh beneficiaries will receive the assistance this year, making it one of the largest direct support initiatives for farmers in the state’s history.

The scheme was first launched on Nuakhai last year, when Chief Minister Majhi initiated financial assistance for nearly 46 lakh small, marginal, and landless farmers. Within a year, the scheme has witnessed a significant expansion, covering an additional five lakh beneficiaries and scaling up the overall budgetary allocation to Rs 1,041 crore.

Officials said that the government’s emphasis this year has been on widening the coverage of the scheme to reach more farmers, particularly those in rain-fed and resource-poor areas.

Speaking ahead of the distribution drive, senior officials from the Agriculture Department highlighted that the scheme reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. The inclusion of landless and urban farmers, often overlooked in conventional schemes, is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve food security.

“This initiative is not just about financial aid. It is about empowering every farmer, irrespective of landholding size, and integrating them into the mainstream of agricultural development,” an official said.

The decision to distribute assistance on Nuakhai carries symbolic importance. The festival, celebrated primarily in western Odisha, marks the consumption of new crops and holds deep cultural and agrarian significance. Linking the scheme to the festival reinforces the government’s intention to recognise and support the farming community, especially at a time when they prepare for the harvest season.

Political analysts view this move as both a cultural outreach and a policy push, designed to strengthen the government’s connect with rural voters.

By leveraging DBT, the state government ensures that funds directly reach the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing chances of middlemen intervention and leakages. The Agriculture Department has also upgraded its beneficiary database to avoid duplication and to bring in more genuine farmers under the fold.

Farmers who were previously excluded due to documentation errors have been given a chance to reapply through local agriculture offices, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility.

Experts believe that schemes like CM Kisan Yojana can provide crucial financial cushioning to small and marginal farmers, helping them invest in seeds, fertilisers, and other essentials. The annual support of Rs 4,000, though modest, can supplement incomes and reduce dependence on informal credit.

Sources indicate that the government may explore linking the scheme with crop diversification programmes and sustainable farming practices in the coming years. There is also discussion on increasing the financial assistance amount in future budgets, depending on fiscal space.

The move is also being viewed in the broader context of Odisha’s agrarian economy, where nearly 60% of the population is dependent on agriculture. By expanding the scheme, the government aims to cement its pro-farmer image while simultaneously boosting rural economic activity.

Social groups and farmer associations have welcomed the decision, calling it a “timely intervention” that recognises the struggles of marginal farmers. Many have urged the government to further expand the scheme to cover tenant farmers and sharecroppers who still face challenges in accessing institutional support.

The Rs 1,041 crore financial assistance under the CM Kisan Yojana is expected to provide a significant boost to over 51 lakh farmers in Odisha. Timed with Nuakhai, the initiative not only strengthens the government’s farmer welfare agenda but also highlights the cultural bond between agriculture and tradition in the state. With its emphasis on inclusion, transparency, and empowerment, the scheme reflects Odisha’s commitment to creating a more secure future for its farming community.